DESPITE THEIR surprise defeat in the Romida Sykes Cup semi-final at Delph & Dobcross, there is no denying Hoylandswaine continue to grow in stature.

It now seems only a matter of time before they land one of the League’s major trophies – which could quite possibly be the Byrom Shield this summer as they head the Premiership , although Elland and Golcar will have something to say about that.

Now into their fourth season since moving across from the arrow Huddersfield Central League, Hoylandswaine have made steady progress since winning the Cedar Court Conference in 2009 and then gaining promotion into the top flight.

That first season they also surprised everyone by lifting the Twenty/20 Trophy in a thrilling final at Scholes, when Simon Chadburn was the hero with an unbeaten 62 – a feat he constantly reminds his colleagues about, according to current skipper John Sadler.

Since then, however, the first team has changed dramatically with Chadburn playing in the Seconds and opening batsman Liam Dickinson the only constant in the first team – although he too missed the Cup semi because of holiday.

Sadler’s appointment for the start of this season has brought a new confidence and discipline to a side which has seen them string together 13 consecutive League and Cup victories since their only League loss of the season to Hall Bower.

“That really was a poor day at the office, but it did succeed in giving us a kick up the backside, which we probably needed, and since then we haven’t looked back with the exception of the Cup semi-final defeat,” reflected the skipper.

“And we have managed to win all our close games, which makes a difference.”

Now in his second season at the Haigh Lane club, Sadler has brought a wealth of experience with him.

Originally a member of the Yorkshire set-up, he left the White Rose side at 20 (when he also played a season at Kirkburton in 2000), before moving to Leicestershire, where he realised his county potential and made an important contribution to the team over five seasons.

Sadler finished his county career with a further three seasons at Derbyshire, during which time he was persuaded back into the Drakes League at Holmfirth (in 2009), when he topped 1,000 runs, scoring five centuries during the season.

Last season he showed his importance to the Hoylandswaine side when he topped 1,500 runs (ave 60.64) and won the Examiner prize as the first batsman to reach 500 runs in the League.

Of course, Sadler is only one of several excellent batsmen that Swaine can boast of this season, the other notable run-maker being Yorkshire opener Joe Sayers, who has so far hit 600 runs in 12 visits to the crease.

“It’s unfortunate for Joe that he’s not figuring in Yorkshire’s season at the moment, but it’s certainly an unexpected bonus for us,” continued Sadler.

“He really is a model professional. As well as being a first class batsman he also fields very well, and is a great person to turn to for advice on the field, and a really nice guy to boot.

“Alex Morris is another quality player, who is also a former Yorkshire player, who also had a good spell with Hampshire, while 23-year-old Australian Michael Cranmer is a truly three-dimensional player.

“Originally from Adelaide in South Australia, Michael is a former Australian Under 19 player who is the complete athlete and an excellent bowler, batsman and fielder.

“Don Bandula has played international cricket for Sri Lanka and he just seems to get better and better with age, while Amar Rashid, who came to us this year, plays with the Unicorns side, while Chris Schofield is another ex-Yorkshire and England Under 19 player.

“Ben Potter is another player like Cranmer, who can do everything. He really is a big talent, and I believe when he gets a bit more experience under his belt he’s going to be an excellent cricketer.

“And we had another big bonus this year when Alan Mynett joined us to keep wicket. He might be in his 40s now, but his glovework is excellent, and his energy behind the sticks is fantastic and keeps the whole team on their toes.

“We also have some very good players on the fringes like Luke Potter (Ben’s older brother) and Rob Greenwood, who are doing well in the Seconds, helping them to the Paddock Shield final and they are currently up to fifth in the Premiership.

“So we have some very determined guys around and the club are growing year on year. But above all it’s a friendly, family club, and I’m really enjoying captaining the side.

“Indeed we have had two or three letters from other clubs in the League saying how much they enjoyed playing against us, which I think speaks volumes.”

What also speaks volumes is that the overall attitude and discipline at any club has to come from the top, and that means the captain, and the credit for that has to go to Sadler.

He was philosophical and sporting in his praise for Delph & Dobcross after his side’s unexpected defeat in the Cup semi-final.

“Yes, it was probably a good toss to win, but that was no excuse for our defeat. They made it tricky for us with a couple of early wickets, and after that we were chasing the game. But overall they were the better side on the day and full credit to them.”

Nice to speak to a well-grounded captain who is not afraid to give praise where praise is due.

“The season has been going pretty well and now we’ve got our sights on trying to win the League Championship,” he added. “I know there is a long way to go and there are some difficult games to come, but hopefully we can stay in the mix going into the last month.”